Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, congratulated Kinver resident, Margaret Rogers, after she was named as a Point of Light Award winner by the Prime Minister.
The Point of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.
Margaret Rogers helped launch Kinver Action Group (KAG) over eight years ago to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour in the village. Since then the KAG has delivered a number of youth-orientated projects in the area. This includes the creation of a professional standard BMX track that has drawn in young people from across the county and even professional bikers from as far as 20 miles away. The experienced bikers act as mentors and role models for some of the less experienced youngsters using the facility.
Margaret led efforts to raise over £23,000 to create the track and secured advice on the design from the professional mountain bike athlete Ricky Compton. Her unwavering commitment to young people, motivated by her passion for her community, saw her raise further funds to refurbish the track last year. This is after helping to raise £115,000 for a skate park in the village in 2010.
Commenting on her award Margaret said: “I work in my community because I enjoy it and because I want Kinver to be the best place it can for everyone. I was really surprised and so touched when I found out I had won this award. Luckily for me I have a lot of good people around me that make all of this possible.
“Kinver is quite an isolated but close community. If you get young people involved early on they carry on working in their community and volunteering for the rest of their lives. The BMX track has brought everyone together - people of different ages, parents and children. It has become a central hub of the community and I couldn’t be more proud of the work we have and will continue to do.”
After presenting her with a letter and certificate Gavin said: “I am absolutely delighted that Margaret will be honoured for her fantastic fundraising work for the Kinver BMX track. Without her tireless dedication the money would not have been raised and the track would not have been built. The amount of work that she put in to raise the funds is inspiring.
"I know that the previous cycle track was extremely popular and is used by riders of all ages. Together with the skate park, play area and gym equipment, and now, thanks to Margaret’s efforts there are a wide variety of wonderful new facilities to enjoy. It was an honour to present her with the Points of Light award to thank her for all her effort on behalf of all Kinver residents.”